The New Orleans Pelicans kicked off a groundbreaking preseason tour Down Under with a commanding win over Melbourne United, 112-98, at a packed Rod Laver Arena on Friday night. This matchup, the first time an NBA squad has ever stepped onto Australian soil for a game, drew a sold-out crowd buzzing with excitement—and a bit of that familiar underdog spirit. Zion Williamson, looking every bit the force he is, dropped 28 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, his explosive dunks echoing through the arena like thunderclaps over the Yarra.
Indeed, the Pelicans came out swinging from the tip-off, building a 15-point lead by halftime through sharp perimeter shooting and relentless transition play. Melbourne United, no slouches in their own NBL league, fought back valiantly in the third quarter, with Shea Ili's clutch threes narrowing the gap to single digits. However, New Orleans' depth proved too much; bench players like Dyson Daniels chipped in 14 points, stifling United's comeback attempts. The Aussies showed grit, holding the Pelicans under 50% from the field at times, but turnovers—18 in total—proved costly in the end.
Moreover, this wasn't just about the scoreline. The NBA x NBL series highlights a growing bridge between leagues, with the Pelicans set to face the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Sunday. For United, it was a historic night, their first taste of NBA-level intensity, even if the result stung. Coach Dean Vickerman praised his team's effort post-game, noting how Williamson's presence alone shifted the game's gravity. Yet, one couldn't help but sense a subtle mismatch—the Pelicans' athleticism felt otherworldly against the home side's structured sets.
Still, the energy in Melbourne was electric, a reminder of basketball's global pull. As the Pelicans gear up for their next clash, questions linger about how these international experiments might reshape preseason narratives.